Reviewed by Jane H. Evans
High School Science Teacher
Have you ever stopped to look closely at nature in your own backyard? Can you recognize a bumble bee, a yellow jacket, or a hornet? Have you listened to the call of a meadowlark or actually seen a spring peeper? If you think you'd like that, then treat yourself to vivid and captivating glimpses of nature in this DVD narrated by Greg Dodge.
Included are five “Main Stories,” “Bonus Features,” a bibliography, and a glossary. Each 10- to 12-minute main story is short enough to be used as a introduction to a more detailed study of the subject and long enough to be used as a stand-alone program. With excellent close-up video and captivating background music, the emphasis is on providing the viewer with an entertaining, yet educational look at common insects, amphibians, and birds that are often seen in the eastern United States, but often overlooked. Inserts define terms and add interesting facts as living organism are portrayed at just being themselves.
The “Main Stories” in this volume feature amphibians breeding, macroinvertebrates and other organisms that live near or in a woodland stream, insects, birds, and frequently seen animals. The "Bonus Features” include a kaleidoscope of red organisms, short clips of birds preening themselves, an oversized dragonfly, and a few amusing “outtakes.” This DVD is ideal as a preparation for local field trips and to encourage observation of nature in the school yard.
Review posted on 5/21/2007
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